Liverpool saw their first bid rejected for the Sweden international yesterday
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is trying to force through a move to Liverpool
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is trying to force through a move to Liverpool
(Image: Getty)
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been told he must now return to the club's training ground. Isak, 25, is attempting to force through a move to Liverpool and did not travel with the Magpies on their pre-season tour in South Korea.
The Sweden international has been training alone in Spain, at Real Sociedad's training facilities, with his agent working behind the scenes to try and secure a move to Anfield.
But Newcastle have now stood firm on their forward's whereabouts, insisting he returns to their Darsley Park training facility.
According to The Athletic, Isak is now on his way back to the UK and will continue his pre-season preparations in the north east.
Despite Newcastle citing the reason for his summer absence as a 'minor thigh injury', it was the player's decision to train alone over the past week.
Liverpool have seen their first bid of £110m rejected by the Saudi-owned outfit, with their valuation thought to be closer to £150m.
Speaking on Saturday, ahead of Newcastle’s pre-season friendly with Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said the club continued to support Isak and hold hope he will soon return to first-team training.
“I really don’t know what is going to happen next, but from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again,” Howe said.
The Magpies have also upped their search for a new centre forward, with the club submitting a bid for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko over the past 24 hours.
Liverpool are believed to have taken a step back in their bid to sign Isak and are now seeing how matters develop between the player and Newcastle.
Player terms will be no issue, and the Magpies are still persistent in their stance that Isak is not for sale this summer.
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc_. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us onTwitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also onFacebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters onLiverpool FC by clicking here.